Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Plato's Allegory of the Cave

So...is it just shadows cast on the wall? Are HTML pages analogous to the items passed before Plato's fire? What makes meaning? Who makes meaning? What does it all mean? Check out this terrrific link: Web 2.0

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Program of Study Approved

Today I was notified that my program of study was approved by HMU....now it begins in earnest!

Saturday, September 1, 2007

A Doctoral Essay?

So Chad Redwing and I discussed my capstone project for my Ed. D. I think it is going to be a doctoral essay entitled "Modalities of Learning in a Post-Information Age-A Philosophical Approach"...but that is the first draft title and probably will go through a number of iterations.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Veblen's Theory of the Leisure Class

I am currently reading Veblen's Theory of the Leisure class and am enjoying it greatly. His suppositions of conspicuous consumption and conspicuous waste are enlightening and quite timely in this age of SUVs during an erstwhile energy crisis. On a most rudimentary level he argues that the more wealth a culture accumulates the more there is a tendency to form a leisure class that is concerned with conspicuous consumption--that is, this class's raison d'etre is to be seen by others as successful by their overt usage and waste of consumables. This class then adds to the bottom line economics by creating an entire cottage industry (that becomes a major industry in time) of wannabes and other like-minded people. Veblen's critics are mostly concerned with his lack of footnotes and feel this work is mostly thoughtful essay rather than scholarly research.

Monday, August 6, 2007

First Course

I am about 1/3 of the way through my first course, The Great Discussion, The Cornerstone Course, and I must say that I am even more pleased with my choice of university for my doctorate that I was originally. My beginning studies have proven to be academically rigorous and very rewarding. My conversations and writings with my first mentor, Chad Redwing, are filled with the kind of scholarly investigation and reflection that I excepted and yet there is an underlying excitement of where my studies are headed that have exceeded my expectations. Let us just hope I can feel the same way in the coming months and years!

Monday, July 23, 2007

Notes from 1st Discussion

Chad Redwing and I just completed our first discussion for my studies. One of the main themes that emerged is one of trust--the other is the one of my filter. One the issue of trust we discussed why do I trust Adler et al for their contribution to the list that is the Great Books. My argument is one of...it is a starting place. Perhaps too practical.

We then discussed in detail my filter for my perception of these studies: Science and Love. I have much to think on in the coming days.

I feel we are off to a terrific start!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Enrollment agreement in the mail

I just mailed off the remaining required documents and a tuition payment.

Will post first course information shortly.